Photography undergoes extraordinary changes in the early part of the twentieth century. Pictorialism which has dominated the medium for over fifty years is challenged by a new trend that calls for a more purist approach to photography, a plea for 'Straight Photography'.
This new approach to photography that occurred in the first two decades of the 20th century rejects the soft focus, artistic manipulations and painterly qualities of the Pictorialists and praises the straightforward, unadulterated images of modern life.
Radical changes were taking place on a massive scale both socially and culturally, a new modern life was evolving. The cameras ability to capture and reproduce an accurate rendition of visible reality was incredibly appealing. Modernist photographers began to produce works with a sharp focus and an emphasis on formal qualities. Common characteristics of the modernist photographer was the use of clear lines, repetition of form, emphasising shape and tonal rendition in the highlights and shadows as much as the actual subject matter.
Artists such as Alfred Stielgitz, Paul Strand and Edward Weston were innovators of this art form with their unadulterated images capturing the modern world.
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| 'The Steerage' 1907 Alfred Steiglitz |
This image 'The Steerage' by Alfred Steiglitz is regarded as his first 'modernist' photograph.
This image would mark his move from Pictorialism and has since become seen as a benchmark for the beginnings of modernist photography.
The image transforms a conventional subject into a collage like depiction of different spaces.
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| The Flat Iron Alfred Steiglitz |
This image also by Steiglitz 'The Flat Iron' depicts a modern America.
An image of soft tones and simple shapes.
It was a symbol of a new and modern America.
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| 'Wall Street' 1915 Paul Strand |
In this image, 'Wall Street' by Paul Strand
we see sharp focus realism and an abstract of urban subject.
The image taken in morning light depicts men walking alongside the facade of a building dragging their long shadows behind them. The dark windows and geometric forms make the building seem sinister and foreboding, it appears to dwarf the men walking below.
 'The Court New York' Paul Strand |
This image also by Paul Strand 'The Court'
Paul Strand employed new picture strategies for example close ups
and unusual angles of view.
This image is taken from a high vantage point, revealing
dynamic abstract patterns of mass, light and shade.
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| Edward Weston Edward Weston, an American modernist photographer was one of the masters of 20th Century photography. His emphasis on abstract form and sharper resolution of detail. His subjects included, still lifes, nudes and protraits. |
Edward Weston 'Dunes'
The growing appreciation of straight photography brought about the recognition in the late 1920's of photographers of the older generation who had been overlooked by the Pictorialist.
Eugene Atget, French photographer was virtually unknown when he died in 1927. Atget documented the architecture and street scenes of Paris and was an inspiration for the surrealist.
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| Eugene Atget |
Eugene Atget
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| Angie Finn |
Eugene Atget.
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| Angie Finn 'Under the Bridge' |
Having done my research into Modernist photography, I find that I am drawn to the abstract images. The recurring shapes, pattern and line, The sense of form and texture really appeals to me.
With this in mind I head out into the sunshine to see where the shadows lie. I look around for interesting abstract patterns and shapes from ordinary everyday things.
Under the Bridge, the sun shines on the outer part of these
big concrete posts leaving lovely lines in the shade.
There is rythm and repetition of shape.
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Angie Finn 'Chimney Pots'
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This roof with its chimney stacks catchs my eye, I like the texture of the tin roof and how all the lines lead to the chimney stacks.
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Angie Finn
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